The best hikes from bus stations in Ralph Klein Park

The short climb up Elgin Hill is rewarded with sweeping views over Inverness Pond and the rooftops of McKenzie Towne. Three stone arches stand at the summit, creating one of the area's most recognizable landmarks and a popular photo stop. Benches near the top make it easy to linger for a few minutes before heading back down to the pathways below. In winter, the hillside transforms into one of the neighbourhood's favourite tobogganing spots.

This large stormwater pond is edged by reeds and open grass, with broad views across the water from its banks. Pelicans, ducks and great blue herons can sometimes be spotted here, making it a worthwhile pause along the surrounding pathway. The pond was created for community drainage rather than recreation, so swimming, boating, skating and access to the water are prohibited. Benches around the perimeter provide places to stop and watch the birdlife.

This mostly level multi-use pathway follows the 2.37-kilometre perimeter of Inverness Storm Pond, with several connections into the surrounding neighbourhood. The wide surfaced route is suitable for walking, running and cycling, though it can become busy and is shared in both directions. Snow and ice are cleared during winter, making this a useful year-round route. Keep right and listen for cyclists approaching from behind.

The Mahogany Wetlands are a large constructed wetland system in southeast Calgary designed to filter stormwater while also providing habitat for birds, amphibians, and other wildlife. This area is a mix of marshes, ponds, grasslands, and shoreline vegetation that create an important ecological environment for plenty of waterfowl, especially ducks, Great Blue Herons and Red-winged Blackbirds. Though engineered for water management, this area feels surprisingly natural, with cattails, sedges, shrubs, and calm water creating a perfect, peaceful urban wetland oasis.

Mahogany Wetlands Trail is an easy, roughly 3½-kilometre walking loop that follows a paved pathway around the wetland, with bridges, several viewpoints, and shoreline access points. It winds through a mix of marsh edges, grasslands, and naturalized greenspace, with ample opportunities for birdwatching and wide views across the water. It's a great route for a relaxed walk through one of Calgary’s largest urban wetland systems, which feels quiet and peaceful despite being surrounded by neighbourhood development.

The Cranston Avenue Regional Pathway is a smooth, well-marked route that runs through the heart of Cranston, linking neighbourhood parks with escarpment viewpoints and the wider Bow River trail network. It’s ideal for walking, running, or cycling, and serves as a convenient connector to nearby highlights like the Cranston Escarpment View Point.

Cranston is a residential community perched above the Bow River valley, known for its easy access to parks, pathways, and escarpment viewpoints. The trail network weaves through quiet streets, open green spaces, and river overlooks, making it a convenient starting point or link-up for routes along the south edge of Calgary. It’s a practical base for reaching nearby viewpoints, including the Cranston Escarpment View Point.

The Cranston Escarpment View Point is a popular, easy-access lookout over the Bow River valley. It offers wide views across the water, nearby neighbourhoods, and the rolling foothills, making it an ideal spot for an evening walk. Well-maintained paths connect this viewpoint to the surrounding trail network, so it’s an easy and worthwhile addition to any route in the area.